Tribute has been paid to “gentle giant” Paul Humphrey, who had died in hospital after a long and brave battle with cancer.

The family of the 37-year-old have described their devastation that Paul did not get the chance to die at home and not his hospital where he had been treated for almost a year.

His family appealed through the Grimsby Telegraph for a specially-adapted home for him in which to die in peace.

He had lost around 12 stones while in hospital where he had been admitted in August last year, weighing 42 stones.

Paul, who had worked as a carer for HICA, was diagnosed with penile cancer. He died on Saturday in Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby.

His family visited him every day and their greatest wish was for a home where he could be cared for in his final days at home.

Appeal from family of cancer patient

North East Lincolnshire Council had offered Paul’s family a home but over two weeks ago he contracted an infection.

His mother Linda of Lister Street told the Grimsby Telegraph: “I miss my boy. I can’t believe he has gone. He died in hospital and I did not wish for that to happen. We are devastated.”

She said she was expecting to go into hospital for treatment herself as she requires a below-the-knee amputation.

Her partner, Norman Howe said: “Paul was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone.“

He added: “We are still desperate for a new place as this place is not suitable for Linda as she will soon be having a below-knee amputation and if we don’t get a new place she could be stuck in hospital like Paul was.”

He said Linda was due to have the operation next week but they hope that can be postponed until after Paul’s funeral.